FFA finds success at 101st New York State FFA Convention
This May, Fonda-Fultonville FFA students attended the 101st New York State FFA Convention at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center in Buffalo, NY. The multi-day event featured keynote speakers, the Career Engagement Expo, and state finals for over 30 Career and Leadership Development Events (CDEs and LDEs).
See the district’s FFA students who made the most of their experience at this year’s conference.
The Empire Degree Recipient
We are incredibly proud to announce that Sarah Horton was awarded the prestigious Empire Degree at this year’s State Convention. As the highest FFCS FFA member Sarah Horton. honor the New York FFA Association can bestow upon its members, the Empire Degree represents years of dedication, rigorous record-keeping, and a deep commitment to agricultural excellence. To qualify, Sarah Horton demonstrated extensive leadership abilities and completed significant community service, all while maintaining a high-achieving Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). This milestone is a testament to their hard work and passion for the future of agriculture.
The NY SAE Grant Winner
Out of a highly competitive pool of applicants from across the state, Allison Spicci has been selected as one of only ten students to receive the New York FFA SAE Grant. This grant is awarded to members who show exceptional promise and a clear vision for expanding their Supervised Agricultural FFCS FFA member Allison Spicci. Experience. Allison Spicci was recognized on stage at the State Convention for their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to her growing SAE project.
Allison’s SAE project is breeding Coturnix quail for color and meat, starting in September 2025. “I have grown from two birds to over 30 birds in just eight months, but currently, I only hatch enough chicks to break even. I plan to use grant funding to purchase a cabinet incubator to produce more birds for selling and expanding breeding stock. Additionally, I aim to educate my community on the significance of quail as both a hobby and a business.” We look forward to seeing how this investment helps them grow their project and further their impact on our local agricultural community.
The State Talent Show Competitor
The spotlight was shining on Allison Newkirk at this year’s State Convention as she competed in the FFA Talent Show. The path to the stage was no easy feat; after a rigorous audition process involving 30 talented applicants from FFCS FFA member Allison Newkirk. across New York, she was selected as one of the final 12 performers to represent the best of FFA artistry. Her hard work and unique talent have earned her a place on the main stage before her peers, and we are thrilled to cheer her on as she shares her gift with the entire association!
